Editorial
2027: INEC proposes PVC alternatives amid calls for electoral reforms, leadership change
By: Amaechi Okoro

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced changes that may reshape the voting process in Nigeria, including plans to reduce dependence on Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, these changes, driven by the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), aim to simplify voting and address long-standing issues within the electoral system.
However, these proposed reforms have sparked intense debate on social media, with critics questioning INEC’s credibility and calling for deeper electoral reforms, including the removal of the current chairman.
Under the new proposal, INEC intends to replace PVCs with computer-generated slips that would work seamlessly with the BVAS. This technology, which has already been used in previous elections, is designed to enhance transparency and reduce irregularities in voter accreditation.
Prof. Yakubu shared this vision during a high-profile meeting in Abuja, emphasizing that the move could cut costs, eliminate delays in PVC collection, and curb voter card fraud.
INEC argues that the use of computer-generated slips will streamline the voting process and ensure a more inclusive electoral system.
The commission believes this alternative will address the logistical challenges associated with PVC distribution, which has historically disenfranchised many Nigerians due to inefficiencies and delays.
Beyond the proposed shift from PVCs, INEC is working on several other reforms aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s electoral process. These include:
Cleansing the Voters’ Register: INEC plans to sanitize the voters’ register by removing duplicate and invalid entries. This measure is expected to improve the credibility of the electoral process.
Early Voting for Essential Workers: The commission is exploring the possibility of early voting for journalists, healthcare workers, and other essential service providers. This initiative recognizes the critical roles these individuals play during elections and seeks to ensure their participation without compromising their duties.
Diaspora Voting: For the first time, INEC is considering allowing Nigerians living abroad to vote. This proposal aims to integrate the diaspora community into the electoral process, recognizing their significant contributions to national development.
Inclusive Participation: The commission is also working on strategies to increase the participation of women and youth in elections. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity, INEC hopes to empower these demographics and enhance democratic representation.
While these measures appear progressive on the surface, they have not been without controversy. Critics argue that INEC’s history of alleged bias and inefficiency raises questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of these reforms.
INEC’s credibility has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many stakeholders accusing the commission of partisanship and incompetence.
Critics cite past elections marred by logistical failures, delayed results, and allegations of vote manipulation as evidence of systemic flaws within the organization.
The introduction of BVAS and the move to computer-generated slips have been met with skepticism, with some viewing these changes as cosmetic solutions that fail to address deeper structural issues.
Opponents argue that technology alone cannot solve the problem of electoral malpractice if the human element remains compromised.
There are also concerns about the potential misuse of BVAS and computer-generated slips. Skeptics warn that without robust oversight, these tools could be manipulated to favor certain political interests.
The lack of trust in INEC’s neutrality has fueled calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the commission and the electoral process.
Given these challenges, there is a growing consensus that Nigeria’s electoral system requires more than incremental reforms. Stakeholders across various sectors are advocating for a holistic review of the electoral framework to address underlying issues and restore public confidence.
Key recommendations for reform include:
Restructuring INEC: Critics argue that INEC’s current structure makes it vulnerable to political interference. They propose creating an independent electoral commission with greater autonomy and accountability mechanisms to safeguard its neutrality.
Transparent Recruitment: The appointment of INEC officials has often been criticized for lacking transparency. Advocates for reform recommend a merit-based selection process that minimizes political influence and ensures the competence and integrity of appointees.
Improved Electoral Laws: Nigeria’s electoral laws need to be updated to reflect global best practices and address emerging challenges. This includes stricter penalties for electoral offences, clearer guidelines for the use of technology, and provisions for diaspora voting.
Civic Education: Enhancing voter education is crucial to fostering a culture of accountability and informed participation. A well-informed electorate is less susceptible to manipulation and more likely to demand transparency from electoral authorities.
Amid growing dissatisfaction with INEC’s performance, there have been increasing calls for the resignation or removal of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as chairman.
Critics argue that his leadership has failed to inspire confidence and that new leadership is necessary to drive meaningful reform.
Opponents of the current administration accuse Prof. Yakubu of presiding over a commission that has failed to address systemic flaws and has often been perceived as biased.
They believe that his removal would signal a commitment to change and pave the way for a more credible electoral process.
Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads. The proposed changes by INEC represent an opportunity to modernize the electoral process, but they also highlight the need for deeper, systemic reforms.
For these reforms to succeed, they must be accompanied by genuine efforts to rebuild trust and ensure accountability.
The calls for the removal of the INEC chairman underscore the urgency of restoring public confidence in the commission. However, removing one individual is not a panacea.
A comprehensive approach that addresses institutional weaknesses, promotes transparency, and empowers citizens is essential to achieving lasting change.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the country must seize this moment to enact bold reforms that strengthen its democracy.
The success of these efforts will depend on the collective will of stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the nation above partisan considerations. Only then can Nigeria realize the promise of a truly inclusive and transparent electoral system.
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